The mental nerve is the terminal sensory branch of the inferior alveolar nerve, exiting through the mental foramen on the lateral mandible to supply lower lip and chin sensation. It is the nerve producing the lower lip numbness that patients experience after inferior alveolar nerve blocks for lower dental procedures. The mental nerve block itself is used for chin and lower lip analgesia in facial lacerations and chin implant surgery.
| Origin | Inferior alveolar nerve (V3) terminal branch |
|---|---|
| Course | Exits through the mental foramen between the apices of the first and second premolars on the lateral mandible and fans into branches supplying the lower lip and chin |
| Motor |
|
| Sensory |
|
The mental nerve is at risk in mandibular body fractures through or near the mental foramen, in implant placement adjacent to the foramen, and in chin augmentation surgery where the nerve must be identified and protected. Persistent lower lip numbness after chin surgery or mandibular procedures usually resolves but may indicate permanent nerve damage if the nerve was transected.
Lower lip and chin numbness from mental foramen fracture, implant encroachment, or surgical transection during chin procedures, usually temporary but potentially permanent.
This website uses cookies to enhance your experience. Some are essential for site functionality, while others help us analyze and improve your usage experience. Please review your options and make your choice.
If you are under 16 years old, please ensure that you have received consent from your parent or guardian for any non-essential cookies.
Your privacy is important to us. You can adjust your cookie settings at any time. For more information about how we use data, please read our privacy policy. You may change your preferences at any time by clicking on the settings button below.
Note that if you choose to disable some types of cookies, it may impact your experience of the site and the services we are able to offer.
Some required resources have been blocked, which can affect third-party services and may cause the site to not function properly.
This website uses cookies to enhance your browsing experience and ensure the site functions properly. By continuing to use this site, you acknowledge and accept our use of cookies.
